Unless you were on the East Coast and didn’t stay up to watch the second Monday Night game, you witnessed Carlos Hyde shred the Vikings Defense to the tune of 168 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Don’t think that was a fluke people. The Vikings Defense was strong in 2014, and added great pieces to be better in 2015.
Next up for Carlos “Roll” Hyde is a Pittsburgh Steelers Defense that didn’t fare well against the Patriots running game in Week 1. Dion Lewis, New Englands back up RB, rushed for 69 yards on 15 carries (4.6 ypc) and added another 51 yards on 4 receptions. 120 yards of total offense for a backup RB is great, so just imagine what Hyde can unleash.
Prediction – 23 Carries, 117 yards, 2 TDs, 3 receptions, 27 yards
PPR League – 28.7 points
Standard League – 25 points
This sensational rookie got off to a great start in his season debut against San Diego. The Nebraska Alum had 7 carries for 50 yards (7.1 ypc) and a touchdown to go along with his 4 receptions for 44 yards. Abdullah brought a spark to this offense that has been missing for a few years.
Up next for Abdullah and the Lions is division rivals Minnesota. As you read earlier, Carlos Hyde thrashed the Vikings Defense last week. I don’t see the bleeding stopping Sunday for Minnesota. With his success last week, look for Detroit to give the rookie more touches against the Vikings.
Prediction – 14 carries, 78 yards, 5 receptions, 51 yards, 1 TD
PPR League – 23.9 points
Standard League – 18 points
What a game from this seasoned veteran last Sunday. Palmer torched the New Orleans Saints all game long. Number 9 threw for 309 yards and 3 touchdowns. Best part of that stat line is he was mistake free.
After seeing what Aaron Rodgers and company did to that Chicago Secondary, it’s no reason to think Palmer can’t do the same. Another plus for this passing attack, is WR Michael Floyd may play Sunday. Watch out for Palmer to duplicate his Week 1 numbers against Chicago this week.
Prediction – 21/35, 320 yards, 3 TDs
24 points
Sit Em
Alfred Morris – Running Back, Redskins
Washington almost pulled out a close one against the Dolphins, thanks to Alfred Morris and his 121 yards rushing. The Miami Dolphins spent a lot of money in the offseason on defense, but it’s clear that unit is still a work in progress. Morris won’t have the luxury of playing a low-tiered defense in Week 2.
The St. Louis Rams visit the nation’s capital this weekend. Last week against Seattle, the ferocious Rams Defense held RB Marshawn Lynch to 73 yards rushing. To make things worse for Morris owners is that he and rookie RB, Matt Jones, are going to split carries 65%-35% this season. With Desean Jackson out and QB Kirk Cousins being on a leash, look for St. Louis to stack the box in order to prevent Morris from having a good day.
Prediction – 19 carries, 67 yards, 3 receptions 17 yards
PPR Leagues – 11.4 Points
Standard Leagues – 7 Points
Cam Newton – Quarterback, Panthers
It’s apparent that QB Cam Newton is missing his number one target, Kelvin Benjamin. In a Week 1 matchup against a subpar defense, Jacksonville, Newton looked less like Superman and more like. The Auburn Alum, went an abysmal 18/31, 175 yards passing, one touchdown and one interception. Newton also added 35 yards rushing on 14 attempts (2.5 ypc). Don’t expect those numbers to improve this Sunday.
The Houston Texans are steaming after their horrendous outing against the Kansas City Chiefs last weekend. After giving up three passing touchdowns to QB Alex Smith, look for Houston to ramp up the pressure they bring off the edges. With a shaky offensive line, Carolina’s franchise QB is going to have another long day.
Predictions – 15/33, 181 yards, 1 TD 2 INT, 12 carries, 47 yards, 1 fumble
9 Points
Andre Johnson – Wide Receiver, Colts
All eyes will be on WR Andre Johnson Monday night, and for good reason. With fellow WR and teammate, T.Y. Hilton, injured in Week 1, Johnson will be the number 1 target. Sounds like a must start for fantasy owners right? Well you are wrong. Johnson is going to be going against one of the best cornerbacks in the game, Darrell Revis. In fact, the Jets defense is a lot like the Colts previous opponents, Buffalo.
If Andre Johnson is going to have a good game, it’ll be because Coach Pagano lines him up in different packages. A better option from this Colts team at WR, would be Donte Moncrief. With Antonio Cromartie out this week, Moncrief is in line for a big night.
Prediction – 4 receptions, 46 yards
PPR Leagues – 8.6 Points
Standard Leagues – 4 Points
